893.00/10–447: Telegram
The Consul General at Mukden ( Ward ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—11:25 p.m.]
302. Unconfirmed reports received Nationalist forces’ garrisons for defense Mukden seriously weakened by Communist attacks. Nationalist Fifty-third Army Kaiyuan area sent Changtu by Chen Cheng89 to meet expected Communist attack. Chen realized weakening Mukden defense and recalled unit. Unit attempting return to Mukden surrounded by Communists and all but one-half division entire army lost. 207th division now Sixth Army, which army is backbone Mukden defense, also badly defeated by Communists and now only have one regiment remaining. Confirmed two division Nationalist Fifty-ninth Army [lost] Chinhsi area. During night October 3 Communists destroyed rail bridge several miles south Liaoyuan on Mukden–Yingkow rail line. Growing local dissatisfaction with Chen Cheng. Now called “every time defeat general”. “Armchair strategists” and military men not in Chen’s clique think he has blundered seriously, has become excited and has committed troops unwisely and with little military judgment. Will have serious effect morale if continued.
Sent Embassy as 430, repeated as 302, Changchun by mail as 286.
- Recently appointed to supreme command in Manchuria.↩